Special to the HT
RANGELY | Rangely Regional Library bid farewell to longtime volunteer and storyteller Rita Reich at the end of 2025, marking the close of a 22-year chapter of service to the library and the community.
Reich began volunteering at the library in 2004, referring to her role as a “hobby job.” Over time, she became a familiar and beloved presence, eventually joining the library staff as a part-time employee while continuing her popular Storytime programs.
While exact numbers are impossible to calculate, library staff estimate Reich read to hundreds of children, sharing more than 6,000 stories across more than 1,100 Storytime sessions. Her programs evolved over the years and became known for their creativity, including an ever-expanding collection of costumes.
“You name it, she had a costume for it,” staff noted.
The library received a donation in memory of Gail Schofield to help cover the cost of Reich’s costumes, with many created by Tiffany Douglas.
Library staff expressed deep appreciation for Reich’s dedication and impact, noting that her warmth and enthusiasm will be greatly missed as she enters retirement.
Story time will continue at Rangely Regional Library on Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. The program’s new storyteller is Megan Carter.
Rita Reich, longtime Rangely Regional Library volunteer and storyteller, known for her creativity and costumes, ended her tenure at the end of 2025 after 22 years.